Write a Bachelor's or Master's Thesis as Part of a Research Project: Explore the Potential of Circular Economy in Norwegian Potato Farming
Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and the circular economy?
Do you want to help shape the future of agriculture with innovative, environmentally friendly solutions?
Now you have the chance to contribute to research for a sustainable transition in Norwegian potato farming.
The project
Potatoes are one of the most widely grown crops in the world, yet conventional farming practices often follow resource-intensive linear models. Current practices can degrade soil, reduce fertility and pose sustainability challenges in the future.
This project focuses on evaluating the transition of conventional, but also organic potato farming in Norway towards more circular economy principles. By optimising resources, reducing waste and using innovative technologies, the project aims to identify ways to transform traditional farming models into sustainable, circular systems with greater inherent resilience to future challenges.
Potential Research Objectives (can be discussed and adapted to the student's research wishes)
- Assess the feasibility of applying circular economy principles in Norwegian potato production
- Identify the main barriers and enablers for implementing these circular practices in Norway
- Propose solutions to close resource loops and quantify environmental and economic benefits
- Provide insights for farmers, policy makers how to adopt circular farming practices
Potential Key Responsibilities (can be discussed and adapted to the student's research wishes)
- Conduct a literature review on circular economy frameworks in agriculture
- Analyse current resource use and waste management practices in Norwegian potato production systems – highlighting what mineral N fertilizer inputs can be replaced by cover crops
- Explore innovative approaches such as nutrient recycling and economical use of cover crops
- Conduct case studies, farmer interviews or LCA to assess the potential of circular farming
- Formulate recommendations for an economical transition to a more circular potato production system
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Strong interest in circular economy, sustainable agriculture and resource management.
- Skilled in research, scientific writing, data analysis and stakeholder (farmer) engagement.
- Motivated to explore innovative and interdisciplinary solutions to the challenges facing Norwegian agriculture.
Why Join Us?
- Contribute to ground-breaking research with direct benefits for potato farming in Norway
- Work in an interdisciplinary and supportive research environment
- We are looking for motivated candidates who are interested in continuing their work at NORSØK after the successful submission of their thesis.
Application Deadline: 20.02.2025
For more information, please contact: maximilian.koch@norsok.no
For application, send your CV and other information to post@norsok.no. Please mark the email with "Bachelor/Master thesis CircularEconomy"